You may have have seen the original, instant family classic, Mr. 3000 portrayed by the lovable Bernie Mac.Well, I've got news for you all. I'm the new Mr. 3000.
I've been keeping track of all the miles I've covered on my bike since New Year's Day, 2008. Trips to school, work, the store, and recreational miles. It's an estimate - because I don't have a computer on my bike - I usually calculate my mileage on gmaps pedometer.
Today on my ride home from work, I passed the 3000 mile mark. My goal for the year is to hit 6,000, so I'm a little behind schedule. I'm hoping to make up some of those miles when I start commuting downtown, full time in August.
How does one successfully meet mileage goals? I have a couple of tips that are helpful, and coincidentally, are things that Ashley likes to give me a hard time about.
My first tool - an excel spreadsheet. It's where I keep track of all my daily totals. In grad school I had to mess around with excel spreadsheets for all kinds of financing and statistics. The spreadsheet I've constructed for tracking my miles allows me to see daily totals, monthly totals/ averages, and of course total miles. Ashley laughs at me everytime I come home (right after a ride) and plug the numbers in. She accuses me of cooking up errands to accomplish by bike, just so I can pad my numbers.
Which leads me to my second tip. It's really helpful to have a goal that will push you. It makes you want to go out and squeeze in a few extra miles. Whether its walking, running, biking, swimming - keeping track of your distance is a really rewarding way record what you've accomplished over the course of the year.
I also think I've saved around $600 bucks on gas (assuming I made those trips by car). It's a conservative estimate, considering gas mileage fluctuates greatly when you are driving within the city. Not to mention, the cost of parking is quite substantial out here - so that could be an easy extra $200.
Riding a bike isn't just about saving money (although it's really really nice) for me, it's also about expanding my choices. I can go more places, park more places, and have more fun when I'm on a bike.
I'm very close to purchasing a bicycle trailer, which will allow Ashley and I to do a little touring, as well as make more of our big grocery trips by bike. I can't wait.
I'll keep you guys posted as the year ends and my goal gets closer. I might have to pull a couple of crazy 100-mile Saturdays to get it, so we'll see.
Have gas prices got you guys down? Any of you considering alternative forms of transportation?
11 comments:
Congrats on halfway! I can't wait until you guys have a baby... and he/she will get to ride along in the little baby seat wearing a helmet, with his/her little head flopping all over the place. I can already imagine it, and it's REALLY cute.
I have to make good on my recent roast of David Culpepper Pulsipher. After I sharply censured him on his last post, he magnanimously contacted me and made amends. It turns out his seeming disdain of my bike choice was only misguided anxiety for my biking wellbeing.
We spent a few minutes yesterday chatting as he helped me find a sensible solution to my wants and needs in a bike. I think I'll be returning my BMX and going with a more comfortable and commuter friendly cruiser. David was able to find a really light-weight, stylish option.
Thanks Davey-boy! You're a real swell guy. I'm sorry I got sore at ya.
its my pleasure craig.
and it will be my pleasure again to consult you when you grow tired of your cruiser.
congrats on meeting your goal half way! I wish I could send you on errands. You could really rack up the miles here! Incedentally I would love to come up with alternative transportation. I wish we had room for bikes. Next place we move that will be a requirement.
serena... if you guys move close i'll gladly provide the room to take care of your bikes. chris and i can fix them up... and you and ashley can go to forever 21. deal?
Congrats David.
How many miles has Ashley put on? I ask about Ashley because several days ago Chad said something about "David's Blog" and I said "excuse me it is David and Ashley's blog"...to which he responded "yeah like Ashley ever posts or makes comment." So Ashley...when are you going to step it up? I swear you recently said you had some ideas. I mean I'm just saying....
oh no you dit-ent.
;)
great zinger kimber... i love it
Wow Dave, very impressive. Somehow this makes all the miles I am logging on the treadmill seem like running in place ;) I am very impressed with your dedication to your goal. I still haven't considered a bike but I do walk whenever I can.
I used to log my running miles in a similar, psycho manner. I loved it! It made me feel like I was accomplishing something. A couple years ago, I got 1,000 miles in, which was quite a feat considering I was injured for a good 3 or 4 months.
Alas, now I'm injured again. That's why I said "I used to." *depressed*
And don't get smart with me... I can't bike right now either. Doctor's orders. I lead a sedentary life now.
But to answer your question, yes, the gas prices are crazy, and yes, Scott is looking for bikes on craigslist because we're only about 5 miles from his work.
I'll let you know if we have questions. You can help us out just like you helped Craig.
I'm a public transport girl most of the time so the gas prices don't phase me as much as when I had to commute in a car everyday. I did see a person a few weeks ago in a suit and tie crusing to work on a skateboard. I've seen people on razor scooters going to work(circa 2000).
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